Motorsport | MotoGP

‘My idea is never to quit’

Seven-time MotoGP Champ Valentino Rossi says he will continue in motor sport even after he walks away from MotoGP.

The Italian is arguably one of the best riders ever to take to two wheels, winning 79 MotoGP races, 141 podium finishes and seven World titles in the premier class alone.

Next season Rossi will be chasing his eighth after opting to leave Ducati and return to Yamaha with whom he won four of his titles.

But despite his two-year deal, the 33-year-old cannot escape the question of when he will retire especially in light of Casey Stoner's recent retirement at age 27.

"My idea is never to quit," he told Italia1.

"This is what I've realised these last few years, in the sense that I'd like to always remain a racer while I can, because after bikes I'll be able to race in cars: obviously not at the level of bikes; perhaps with the same commitment but in less important series.

"Never say never, who knows. But I hope [the two-year Yamaha spell] is the final one because it would mean it's gone well.

"I think one should do his own sport as long as he is competitive and feels like doing it, because all the people who have quit with still a will to race have regretted the decision.

"I'd like to always maintain this life style but also race and try to go quick."